President Trump gestures to those present as he arrives in Texas and steps out of Air Force One on Jan. 12, 2021.
Attorney Greg Harris, a former federal prosecutor from South Carolina, confirmed Thursday (Jan. 28) that he joined former President Trump’s “anti-impeachment” legal team along with Johnny Gasser, another former federal prosecutor from South Carolina.
Harris made the announcement in an interview with The Associated Press in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. He said he and Gasser joined Trump’s defense team as he faces an “unprecedented” second impeachment trial that is set to begin Feb. 8.
Harris previously was a county and federal prosecutor with expertise in white-collar cases. Gasser was also a prosecutor at the local and federal level in South Carolina, and served as acting state’s attorney for South Carolina for more than a year. He has a private law practice with Harris.
Both attorneys are experienced in public corruption cases, having represented Republican State Rep. Both lawyers have experience in public corruption cases, having represented Republican state Rep. Rick Quinn (R) on allegations of misconduct while in office. Rick. Quinn eventually resigned in 2017 amid a deal that led to his father, Republican consultant Richard Quinn, resigning. Richard Quinn was suspended on charges of “conspiracy and illegal lobbying. Richard Quinn has listed former President Ronald Reagan and Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham on his client list.
They have also represented South Carolina Governor Ken Ard in lawsuits. Ard resigned in 2012 after pleading guilty to ethics violations.
Harris and Gasser both joined a team of lawyers that included attorney Butch Bowers. Bowers is a prominent ethics and elections lawyer in South Carolina and has been hailed as an “anchor” for the team by state Senator Graham.
In 2009, Sanford disappeared from South Carolina for five days to meet his lover in Argentina. This caused a break in the chain of command for five days and people were unable to reach him. He was considered for impeachment by South Carolina legislators as a result. Bowers took Sanford’s case and defended him. Ultimately, the impeachment failed before it could get past the committee level.
Bowles also successfully helped another former governor, Nikki Haley, in her lawsuit. Haley was being investigated for violating the state’s ethics laws.
Another lawyer hired by Trump is Deborah Barbier, who also served as a federal prosecutor for more than a decade. Currently, Barbier practices in a private law firm specializing in white-collar defense.
The House of Representatives has formally referred articles of impeachment to the Senate this Monday (Jan. 25), accusing Trump of instigating the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. The trial could have officially begun on Tuesday (Jan. 26), but Republicans have urged a delay to give Trump a chance to organize his own legal team and prepare his defense.
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